Amir Peretz, the Israeli defence minister and leader of the Labour party, yesterday appointed Israel's first Arab cabinet minister - and was accused of dealing a "lethal blow to Zionism" by rightwingers.

Raleb Majadele, a Labour member of the knesset, was appointed minister for science and technology, but critics in the Labour party believe that Mr Peretz made the appointment to ensure that Arab members of the party support him in a forthcoming leadership election.

Mr Majadele replaces Ofir Pines Paz, a Labour MP who resigned over the appointment of Avigdor Lieberman, the head of the Israel Our Home party, as deputy prime minister. Mr Lieberman advocates removing Arabs from Israel.

Mr Majadele said it would be difficult sitting at the same cabinet table as Mr Lieberman but hoped to overcome any problems. "I believe this is a precedent that will be written in the history of Israeli society," he said.

Arabs make up around 20% of the Israeli population but are under-represented in most professions. Esterina Tartman, the chairwoman of Israel Our Home, told Israel radio that Mr Majadele's appointment was a lethal blow to Zionism.

"Peretz is making a sacrifice of Zionism," she said. "I call on the prime minister not to approve this appointment ... in order to protect the state of Israel's interest as a Jewish and Zionist state." Her comment were criticised as racist by members of the knesset from all parties.